Demo

Lead Human Resources Specialist

DC Department of Human Resources
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 6/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/8/2026
Job Summary

This position is located in the Office of Human Resources (HR), in the Office of the Director at the Department of Human Services (DHS). The mission of the District of Columbia’s Department of Human Services is to empower every District resident to reach their full potential by providing meaningful connections to work opportunities, economic assistance, and supportive services. As the Lead Human Resources (HR) Specialist, incumbent is responsible for providing expert advice and assistance to managers, supervisors, and administrative officials on various human resource management (HRM) and human capital issues relating to recruitment, employee relations, labor relations, compliance, payroll, organizational development, and training. Incumbent is responsible for ensuring work assignments of other employees within the HR Office are carried out in an efficient and effective manner; coordinates, coaches, facilitates consensus building and planning; performs highly controversial and complex work, often involving conflicting evidence requiring advanced HRM skills.

About DHS

The mission of the DHS is to provide meaningful and equitable services, support, and access to resources for District residents to realize their goals. Our approach to preventing homelessness and supporting individuals and/or families experiencing homelessness is focused both on systems-level reforms and on the quality of the programs and supports within that system. These efforts include creating economic opportunity, making our neighborhoods safer, and providing more effective and efficient government services.

Duties And Responsibilities

As the Lead HR Specialist to junior specialists performing HR compliance, performance management, payroll, organizational development, and training; incumbent specializes in either all recruitment lifecycle inclusive of but not limited to job analysis vacancy posting, screening, interviewing, selection, suitability, onboarding, details, reassignments, transfer; or specializing in performing the full scope of employee and labor relations to include providing advice and guidance to managers and staff on District policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreement.

The Lead Human Resources Specialist Incumbent provides leadership in exploring alternatives and determining and recommending program and process improvements (e.g., work methods, processes, and procedures). Consults with Human Resources (HR) Manager to identify, distribute, and balance workloads among employees in accordance with established workflow, skill level or occupational specialization.Performs advanced and customized customer service to DHS staff and prospective employees experiencing challenges or requiring assistance related to Human Resources.

The Lead Human Resources Specialist Incumbent articulates and communicates to the team assignments, projects, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones and program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Coaches the team in the selection and application of appropriate problem-solving methods and techniques and provides advice on work methods.

Qualifications And Education

Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Working Conditions/Environment

The work environment includes an office setting and the work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Frequent travel to other DHS locations is required, including service centers and day centers.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0201-13

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

Duration of Appointment: Career Service Permanent

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: The incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability – Security.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as Emergency pursuant to Chapter 12 of DC Personnel Regulations. Employees occupying positions designated as Emergency are required to:

  • Provide advice, recommendations, and/or specific functional support necessary for the continuity of operations during a declared emergency.
  • Remain at their duty station, or alternate work location (approved by their supervisor), if activated, when a situation or condition occurs and results in early dismissal for nonessential/non-emergency employees.
  • Report to their duty station, when activated, on time and as scheduled when a situation or condition occurs during non-work hours, and results in the late arrival or closing of District government offices for non-essential/non-emergency employees.
  • Telework during a declared emergency, instead of remaining or reporting to his or her duty station, if directed by the agency head (or designee), supervisor or manager.
  • Carry or wear their official District government ID card during the period of the declared emergency, if not teleworking.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona-fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7 year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Human Resources Specialist in Washington, DC
$98,680 to $121,446
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